# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)

Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) →

E330 (Citric Acid) is a tricarboxylic organic acid produced by industrial fermentation of Aspergillus niger on carbohydrate substrates. INS 330, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the single most widely used acidulant, flavor enhancer, and metal chelator on Earth.

View full E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) spec sheet →
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) →

Monosodium Glutamate (E621, MSG, C5H8NO4Na) is the sodium salt of L-glutamic acid produced via Corynebacterium glutamicum sugar fermentation, activating human T1R1/T1R3 heterodimer umami taste receptors to enhance savory mouthfeel.

View full E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

13 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
Functional Class
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Sequestrant, Antioxidant Synergist Flavor Enhancer (Umami savory tastant)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) 30 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA 2017) / Not Specified (JECFA 1987)
Chemical Formula
C6H8O7 (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid) C₅H₈NO₄Na · H₂O (Sodium 2-aminopentanedioate monohydrate)
E-Number Code
E330 —
INS / Codex Number
INS 330 —
Primary Mechanism
Delivers bright citrus sourness; chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe/Cu); activates pectin gelation —
Common Target Foods
Citrus beverages, candy/confectionery, jams, canned tomatoes, cheese curdling, soft drinks —
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Aspergillus fungal sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher —
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033) —
INS / E-Number
— INS 621 / E621
Taste Receptor Target
— T1R1 + T1R3 G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) heterodimer + mGluR4
Sodium Content
— 12.3% Sodium by weight (compared to 39.3% in standard table salt NaCl)
Synergistic Umami Multiplication
— 1:1 ratio with E627 (Disodium Guanylate) / E631 (Disodium Inosinate) increases umami perception up to 8-fold

Other Alternatives to Compare

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E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →